What would be a good portable Dac/Amp to use with my HD6xx and Sony Xperia 1 V cell phone?
I am new to this hobby. I purchased a HD6XX and plan to use it with my Sony Xperia 1 V cell phone, that has a 3.5mm jack. I was wondering if I needed a portable dac/amp or just a portable amp and if so what would one recommend? Any assistance one could provide, would be greatly appreciated. Kind regards, Haz
Mar 7, 2024
Upon arrival: Massdrop kept the delivery date promise. I received the item before the estimated date. Thanks! The Dark Voice and both tubes were well protected in its original foam pads within its shipping box.
Initial first 2 hours testing: The Dark Voice functions properly. I tested Dark Voice with HD-6XX (300 Ohm) and DT 800 (250 Ohm). They both sounded good but with the frequently mentioned left ear humming sound. The humming was very noticeable. Nevertheless, the sound from HD-6XX was really impressive.
Waiting/Baking: To remove the common humming, I followed our Massdrop members’ recommendations and took out 6AS7 (larger tube) out and left only 6SN7 (smaller tube) installed and turned the Dark Voice on for about 50-60 hours. After that I added 6AS7 back to Dark Voice and turn on the Dark Voice again. The humming is about 90% gone. I expect the further use will eventually remove the humming.
First day of the actual use of Dark Voice: I used to listen to HD-XXX & HD-600 on Topping DX7s with balanced cable. I thought HD-6XX was good back then. BUT NOW, pairing HD-6XX with Dark Voice (even with unbalanced cable & RCA input), I was SO IMPRESSED and SURPRISED how great this pair can reproduce beautiful music. Simply for this reason, Dark Voice is worth every dollar well spent. After I switched to Hifiman planar headphones and Stax electrostatic headphones two years ago, I stopped using about 35 different dynamic driver headphones I owned. I tested about 12 of them with higher ohms, such as Sennheiser HD-600, HD-660s, HD-6XX, HD-58X, Beyerdynamic DT 880, JBL, AKG …even Superlux HD660 and Samson SR950. I have to say that Dark Voice gives these headphones very different and much more enjoyable sounds. I am so glad that I bought this Dark Voice.
Protection Box: Since the Dark Voice & its tubes can get warm and breakable, I decided to place the Dark Voice in a protective box so that my very curious and naughty miniature poodle would not accidentally burn its cute fuzzy paws or face.
Summary: If you are into music listening and have some headphones that you suspect they have not yet reached their full potential, Dark Voice is something worth your attention and investment. So far, I am very happy even with the original tubes. I think I will start tube rolling soon like many others are doing here. I give this Dark Voice 9.5/10. I highly recommend it. Please also see my photos for Dark Voice & Halloween headphone holder.
Tubes in general seem to dampen low range extension; which is why I love the combo of the DV and Beyerdynamic cans, they're crazy, v-shaped house sound actually comes out sounding really, really good on the DV.